The Missionary’s Dilemma, or Let the Dead Bury the Dead
Posted by C. Holland on Oct 12, 2008My grandfather passed away recently, and because I’m thousands of miles away in ministry I was unable to return back to the States. That, and the fact that last-minute tickets would have cost almost $3,000.
This was a difficult realisation despite the fact that I knew my grandfather was nearing the end of his natural life and that ministry here has to come first. I had to take a long time praying and weighing my choices, but I really felt that God did not want me to go.
The whole thing got me thinking about two things that intersect with our culture:
- Cultural attitudes about death and funerals.
- Luke 9:59-62, the words of Christ: “Let the dead bury their own dead.”
As an American, the traditions of death and funerals that I would have been exposed to include open-casket viewings, a church service, and a graveside service. Cremation would not have been considered by anyone in my family or friends in the States, though I know other Americans do.
Here in Western Europe, the tradition would include incredibly large marble tombstones and plaques taking up a plot 10 ft x 7 ft, multiple postings by friends and family in the death notices (and similar postings every year thereafter), and the entire funeral procession (which may be the whole village) walking behind the hearse all the way to the gravesite.
I think either set have significance to each culture, but neither are a make or break for being closer to God or getting into heaven. It’s just what we do. People here were shocked to find that an African family who lost a young child refused to have a funeral service because their culture do not believe in burying a child. Having lost a sibling, I understand the thought, but perhaps they miss the point of the funeral in the first place. Funerals are for the living, not the dead.
But then we look at what Jesus says about the matter, essentially “this is not for you to deal with at this time.” The first time I heard that in church I remember thinking that kind, smiling Jesus wouldn’t have said that, would He? If you believe the Bible, as I do, then He did.
It’s a harsh reality, but definitely truth. No more can be done for the dead person. Whatever decision they made about heaven is made. It’s over. You can do no more for them now. But if you’re in ministry, there are people all around you that can still make that choice to follow Jesus. The rest of the verse says, “You go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.”
I have hope that my grandfather is safe in heaven. His affairs were all handled, and there was nothing for me to do or help. And by staying here, we were able to attend a special event that some non-Christians really wanted us to support them by being there. It was not easy, and my heart is still healing, but I believe I made the right decision.
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